n. & v.
--n.
1. a cavalryman (orig. a mounted infantryman armed with a carbine).
2 a rough fierce fellow.
3 a variety of pigeon.
--v.tr.
1. (foll. by into) coerce into doing something, esp. by use of strong force.
2 persecute, esp. with troops.
Etymology: orig. carbine (thought of as breathing fire) f. F dragon DRAGON